THE Macksville Sea Eagles have named their coaches for the 2026 season, with first grade coach Matt Hyland stepping down after five years in the top job.
Taking over first grade responsibilities will be former Macksville player and coach Aaron Woods.
“Matt will continue in a playing role as Aaron, who has been in France playing and coaching the past few years, comes back to his hometown to take on the role,” said committee member Nigel Wilbow.
“Woodsy takes charge of a good roster that he is looking at strengthening further.
“He brings with him a couple of players from France in 21-year-old Mathieu Garrigues who plays back row or centre and middle forward Paul-Joseph Fournie.
“Add those to local players who have recommitted in Sam Shields, Zane Doolan, Ulysess Roberts, Billy Cockbain, Wezley Brown and others, and the club has a very competitive looking side for 2026.”
In the women’s tackle competition, Lavinia Blair-Inglis steps into the head coach role after a season as assistant.
“The side struggled for numbers at times in 2025, but Lavinia has been working hard to recruit and started training early with good numbers turning up to each session,” Wilbow said.
“The bulk of the side from 2025 is back with a few additions to come.
“Numbers look a lot stronger for 2026 already.
“The girls have been training with plenty of enthusiasm already, even in the warm conditions.
“Things look bright moving forward for this squad.”
David Lindsay continues as captain/coach of the reserve grade side, following a breakthrough Grand Final win in 2025 after getting beaten in golden point the previous year.
“The reserves will look to be up near the table of the ladder again and fight for the premiership,” Wilbow said.
“Most of last season’s side will be back again to try and defend the title.”
Billy Cockbain will mentor the under 18s boys in 2026.
“Billy has plenty of playing experience and wants to pass that knowledge onto the young boys coming through,” Wilbow said.
“The under 18s are coming off the back of a premiership and plenty of those players continue next season including Group 2 u18s Player of the Year and last year’s captain Koby Toomey.
“Coming back with him is Tom Masters, Aidan Carey, Beau Harper, Ben Ennis and Tynan Forsyth along with a few others.”
Pre-season training gets underway at Allan Gillett Oval on Tuesday, 9 December at 6pm, with prospective players invited to “have a run around” and meet the coaches.
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